Beginnings

It has been exactly a week since I came down from Fraser’s Hill after a four-day English language workshop with 37 personnel of MINDEF. Going down was much less taxing on my nerves as the road is wider and the curves broader, so I could take in the rustic sights and colours with keener appreciation.

I can still feel the cool crisp air against my face and see the huge yellow hibiscus flowers and roses just outside the house I stayed in. The prettiest birds twittering, colourful butterflies fluttering here and there. There was an owl hoot-tooting to us on our way to class one night. Fresh in my mind, most of all, are the faces of the course participants, their smiles and laughter, their serious attention, anxious looks, witty and naughty responses…yes, except for the usual few dozing off in the middle of my sentences now and then, they were a very attentive lot. So much so that for the first time, I gave away a prize for the ‘most attentive student’. I didn’t know what was inside the package as it was provided by the training company that engaged me. I wish I had bought him ( and at least 5 others) a pocket dictionary or a book of idioms. I can usually spot a good listener from where I am standing.  

They were from branches all over the country doing different jobs. Such an interesting cross section….front liners, administrative staff, chef, nurse, health officer, drivers, human resource executives and more, at various levels of seniority. The youngest was a sweet 23-year old freshie…what an induction session for her meeting and mingling with colleagues of all ages from various departments and different walks of life. I remember how overwhelmed I was, intimidated even, at her age in such a situation. But she was fine, responding rather shyly when called on and participated well in the group projects. Thanks to the supportive team…brothers, sisters, uncles and aunties…with their many skills and experiences which they shared happily in the discussions and their presentations. During the group presentations on the last day, I always find myself letting the Manglish go as the floor is theirs then, unless I really don’t understand something they are trying to put across. But most of the time everyone seems to understand and after all, Manglish can be quite charming and on top of it all, fairly communicable. The confidence to speak while knowing your weaknesses where they are and practice, practice, practice…..is the surest way to ‘better spoken English’. And of course, listen and imitate….why, the last group that sang “Insyallah” understood what they were singing and their diction actually sounded good, clearly better than their spoken English. With two veteran crooners injecting colours and crescendos into the song, the group was received with ‘sing like an angel’ and ‘old tai, old tai’! 

While some may actually enjoy the brief stints in public speaking and are quite natural at it, I hope I have helped others to overcome their fear and anxiety over it to some extent. Seeing them make their small beginnings this way gives me my moments of joy on these occasions….because I was there once and I know how arduous the feat can be. 

As for grammar and sentence construction, except for quick refreshers on basic rules and patterns, I have yet to find a creative way of teaching grammar effectively within two to four days ( practically 8-12 hours maximum), without confusing anyone even more. My general advice is to read regularly and let the sense of grammar seep into your system naturally…then only can you fully benefit from my refresher and drill sessions even if it is for an hour. Read voraciously and you will be able to construct sentences with irregular grammar patterns which you yourself will not be able to explain, but know are perfectly right and appropriate. Because much of it is all about knowing instinctively what sounds right…instincts developed from familiarity with different styles of writing. Only if you choose to teach the language do you need to know the technicalities of the underlying grammar rules. I have to refresh myself on these from time to time to find even more effective ways of making them understood. That is the less fun part about my job, but not all English teachers will agree.    

    

I had an equally great time with the DBKL group the week before. There was great sharing between the staff who` came from varied units….library, finance, HR, facilities, sports (ex national footballer), enforcement and surveillance (horse rider), cultural group (dancer) and others. The training centre though was within easy reach of the offices they came from, so several participants were called back to attend to urgent tasks at random times, missing sessions or ending up staying for only a day or two days. They were sorry and so was I. Nevertheless, just like with the previous workshop, it was an enthusiastic group with a positive outlook. They would all have gained a lot more banded together away from the city. 

So yes, I’ve retired from regular work, the corporate world and the daily routines that go with it, but I’m far from retiring. Sometimes I feel that I’m just beginning…. to do the things I truly love. And to make new acquaintances who may pass my way but once and briefly, yet adds richness to my days. Insyallah, our paths will cross again.

Alman was asleep when I got home from Fraser’s Hill. I’m seldom separated from him, even for a day. When he woke up, he bounced over straight to me and clung tight while we swayed to ‘love song’ playing on my mobile, from beginning to end. Being there to see Alman make his small beginnings and holding his hand while he takes his little giant steps, makes ‘retirement’ a most rewarding period of my life. Alhamdulillah.